From the 

Head of Junior School

Digital Literacy

Digital literacy for primary students refers to the ability to effectively and responsibly use digital technology and tools to communicate, access information, solve problems, and create content. This includes skills such as typing, navigating the internet, using digital devices and software, evaluating online sources, and practicing online safety and security.

Last week students, staff, and families of the Kinross Wolaroi community had the opportunity to listen and learn from Susan McLean. A former Victorian Police Officer for 27 years, Susan is Australian’s leading expert in all areas of cyber safety. Her mission is to make cyber safety straightforward common sense, as she gives parents and teachers the understanding to be able to manage the many uncertainties that come with internet usage confidently and effectively.

Her presentation Keeping Safe in Cyberspace provided students with age-appropriate, engaging sessions that covered topics including Rules and Laws, Cyberbullying, Online ‘friends’, Staying safe online and How to be a good Digital Citizen. These are issues that we as a school have been discussing in our eSafety lessons, but to have someone as experienced and well-respected in this area speak with our students as well, highlighted the importance of eSafety to students and keeping themselves safe online. Susan was another voice, with a vast experience in this area the children could ask questions and raise their concerns.

With the increasing use of technology as a teaching and learning tool in schools and as a way to connect and play with friends at home, schools and families need to work together on educating young people how to stay safe online. It is not about banning usage, it is about understanding how technology is being used to protect children, from potential online dangers such as cyberbullying, online predators, phishing scams, and identity theft. It is essential to educate them on how to recognise and avoid risky online behaviour. This includes teaching students how to protect their personal information, create strong passwords, and navigate privacy settings on social media platforms. 

As a parent, how many of the following icons do you recognise? How many of these platforms are your children on? Do you have an understanding of what the terms and conditions are? What age is recommended that children access these platforms? Have you seen what your child is posting, what other children are posting or how many posts are coming through?

We know in many instances our kids today:

• Are tech savvy but lacking in ‘actual knowledge’
• See technology as their primary form of socialising and communicating
• Have no fear of technology or cyberspace
• Find being connected extremely important
• Find there is pressure to conform.

Over the term break, if you have not done so already, have a conversation with your child about their online experiences. Go through the terms and conditions of apps they may be accessing. Have a discussion on why they think there are age restrictions. Have a look at https://www.cybersafetysolutions.com.au/top-tips/. Access the videos Susan has created. These are conversations to revisit regularly as your child grows and what is available to them in a constantly shifting landscape.

Year 6 Leaders

Earlier this term all Year 6 students took an oath:

As Year 6 students you are the leaders of your fellow students. Your role being to help organise, and lead some of the daily activities of the school.  Your leadership is very important and a great responsibility.  To do your job well, you will need real determination, honesty, loyalty, and a willingness to put the good of the school community before your own feelings and comfort.  

You have a very special task to perform, but with support, encouragement, and personal effort we believe you have the skills and ability to perform those tasks. Will you diligently fulfill your duties in the position of service to which you are appointed? Will you uphold the School values of respect, courage, commitment, resilience and inclusivity? And be guided by the IDEALS of Round Square?

McLachlan House has led our assemblies. Our House Captains have encouraged participation in carnivals. Many students have volunteered to run lunch time clubs from basketball, cross country, spike ball to Easter fun. Our badged leaders were exceptional representatives of what it means to be a ‘Kinross Kid’ at Open Day. Students have led by example by being involved in the sport, music and keeping our grounds looking great. I want to extend my gratitude to the teachers, parents, and other members of the community who have worked alongside our Year 6 students. This support, encouragement, and guidance is instrumental in our students developing in their roles.

Term Break

As the term comes to a close I would like to wish all families and staff a well deserved break. A time to change the routine and indulge in those passions that may have been put on hold with the daily school run, sport, and the many activities our children engage in each and every day. We look forward to seeing everyone return in Term 2. For some it might be as part of the ANZAC Day march, or for others on our first day back on campus on Thursday 27 April. 

ROAD SAFETY 

As we get back into the routine of school and families are sometimes doing multiple drop off and pickups in a day please take a moment to review our Junior School arrangements to assist with traffic flow and keeping people safe. I would ask for your patience particularly at pick up times which is cleared by 3:30pm. 

All students traveling by private car are dropped off and picked up from the ‘Drop n Go’. Students leave classes at 3:15pm. Staff are available to assist with students accessing cars. We ask drivers to: 

• Adhere to a 10 km/h limit and not use mobile phones in the line 
• Always move to the ‘top’ most position in the ‘Drop n Go’ zone to prevent congestion and the necessity for cars to cut into spaces. Leave spaces so cars can exit the carpark.
• Use the flags in the afternoon to identify spaces and display a family name tag
• Remain in the car, staff will assist students as needed and will place bags inside the car 
• Students only alight and exit cars on the curb side 
• Follow the directions of staff 

For personal safety, we do not want children or staff stepping off the curb, going behind cars to access the boot. If you need to place bulkier items in the boot, or if your child is unable to access the curb side door please park and approach the teacher with the microphone to call your child over. Alternatively arrive towards 3:30pm when less cars are in the ‘Drop n Go’ zone. 

Please be mindful when walking through the parking area to hold children’s hands as it can be difficult for a car reversing to see a young child. 

Kinross Wolaroi students making their mark 

At Kinross Wolaroi we value and strive for academic rigor. Students have a myriad of opportunities to engage in enriching learning experiences which in some instances the school provides or facilitates student access to them.  Please share with us your child’s interest, passions, and achievements by emailing junioroffice@kws.nsw.edu.au.