St Francis Newsletter

Principal Update

St Francis, Nathalia is a child safe school.  

We promote the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children.

CYBER SAFETY - FORTNITE

Each morning when on yard duty, I talk with children as they arrive at school. Most Monday morning conversations begin with, Did you do anything exciting over the weekend?, with children relaying their experiences with family and friends.  A growing number of our students respond by describing the online games they are playing and by far and away, the most popular is Fortnite.  

 

Fortnite is undoubtedly a popular game, captivating players of various ages around the world. However, when it comes to young children, there are several reasons why it's advisable for parents to know about this particular gaming experience, especially from a cyber safety standpoint:

 

1. Exposure to Inappropriate Content:

  • In Australia, Fortnite is rated M, as suitable for players aged 15 and above due to its mild violence and online interactions. However, the game may still expose young children to content that is not developmentally appropriate for their age group.
  • The game features shooting and combat mechanics, which may desensitise young children to violence and have potential negative effects on their psychological well-being.

2. Interaction with Strangers:

  • Fortnite is primarily an online multiplayer game, which means children can interact with strangers while playing.
  • The game's chat feature allows players to communicate with each other, opening the door to potential interactions with individuals who may not have the best intentions.
  • Young children may lack the ability to discern between friendly players and those who may pose a threat to their safety.

3. Risk of Cyberbullying and Harassment:

  • Online multiplayer environments like Fortnite can unfortunately be breeding grounds for cyberbullying, harassment and grooming.
  • Young children may be more susceptible to such negative experiences and may not have the coping skills necessary to deal with them effectively.

4. Impact on Sleep and Overall Well-being:

  • Engaging in gaming, particularly before bedtime, can interfere with young children's sleep patterns and overall well-being.
  • Excessive screen time, coupled with the excitement of gaming, may lead to difficulty falling asleep and disrupted sleep schedules.

In conclusion, while Fortnite may be entertaining for older players, it's essential to consider the potential risks and drawbacks for young children. Parents and caregivers should be mindful of the content their children are exposed to and make informed decisions regarding their gaming habits to ensure their safety and well-being in both the virtual and real worlds.

 

CROSS COUNTRY

The sun was shinning for the annual Cross Country event on Friday, where the students battled against the clock and each other to conquer the course.  Cross Country is an exciting and fun-filled event that brings together students from all grades in their sporting houses. It is a race where they compete against each other, displaying their running skills and stamina.  

 

Once the races started, the atmosphere was electric as parents, teachers, and other students cheered on the runners. The students ran with determination, each hoping to cross the finish line first and every student putting in a PB.  Our school cross country is not only about competition, but also about promoting active lifestyles and social interaction. It allows children to engage in physical activities, grow friendships, and develop sportsmanship skills. The event also encourages a sense of belonging and accomplishment among the students. 

 

Banyard was the outright winning Sports House, and were presented with the 2024 shield. Congratulations to our student winners in their respective age groups.  Grades 3 - 6 children will be invited to compete at the inter-school competition in Shepparton, early in Term 2.

 

SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL

Our first 2024 School Advisory Council meeting will be on Tuesday 12th March @ 6pm. The meeting will be held in the St Francis Administration Building.  

 

While it has been great to receive interest from a number of people keen to join our board this year, if you are interested in helping shape the direction for St Francis Primary, please contact me in the office.   

 

The School Advisory Council has input into the strategic directions of the St Francis Primary school and discusses opportunities to enhance student and family engagement, develop master plans and promote our school to the wider Nathalia community.  Meetings are held termly in the administration building.