Deputy Principal Report
Mrs Jones
Firstly, I would like to wish Year 12 the very best for the future – congratulations on finishing high school. I would also like to wish every student sitting the HSC, the very best of luck. It's all up to you now.
At this stage, most HSC examinations are still completed on paper, however, this may slowly change in the future as our world becomes more and more digital.
Digital technology:
Technology, such as smartphones and social media, is a significant part of students' lives. While technology provides great opportunities for learning and communication, it is important that students understand their rights and responsibilities when online, how technology can impact their lives and how to use it in a respectful and safe manner.
Student Email Addresses:
To ensure all student email accounts are being used for their educational purposes and reduce cybersecurity risks, the NSW Department of Education will be restricting the use of student email addresses for signing up for, and recovering access to, social media, gaming, instant messaging and similar platforms. This means students will also not be able to retrieve password-recovery emails and the like from these platforms.
Some students may use their school email addresses to access third-party platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat or for online gaming. All students must have updated their accounts with a personal email address or mobile number instead of using their student email address by Day 1 Term 4.
Staying Safe Online:
It is important to practice online safety and tackle issues like cyberbullying. Students should be aware of how to keep their personal details safe and deal with online threats. If they experience any form of harassment or abuse online, they should seek assistance from the eSafety Commissioner through https://www.esafety.gov.au/.
Online and Offline:
Students need to balance their time between using technology and engaging in offline activities. Technology offers many benefits; however, it is essential to take breaks from screens, get involved in other activities, and connect with friends and family face-to-face. This helps promote overall well-being and is good practice for the workforce.
Respectful Interactions:
Students should remember to always be respectful when online interacting with others and should show the same respect they would in person. Treating others with kindness and respecting differing opinions fosters a positive online space.
Privacy and Presence:
Students should avoid sharing photos of others without their permission and be mindful of keeping their online presence positive. Their future and reputation can be impacted by what they post online, so it is important to think carefully before sharing anything online.
This also includes understanding that the use of the school logo and name is not permitted on private accounts. Accounts such as these, which often name students or encourage them to share images and stories, can cause problems within the school community. These accounts are reported and removed promptly to keep our community and school safe.