Open Parachute Program

Next term we are going to start the Open Parachute program here at Our Lady Star of the Sea. The Open Parachute program is a mental health and well-being program for schools that uses peer voices and documentary videos to teach students mental health skills and build resilience, with resources for educators and parents. More information on this will be sent out as we start the program.

Parent Helpers Needed

We are seeking some help from parents who are able to spare about an hour next Thursday 3rd April, after school drop off. We have a large collection of books that need to be covered in contact. During this working bee, parents would not need to cover any books but would be creating packs of books with pre-cut contact.

We will then put out another call for parents willing to take a pack of books home to cover in their own time.

When: Tuesday 3rd April, 8:50 - 9:50 am (approx)

Where: School library

Who: All parents, including those with toddlers are welcome, however need to have completed the parent induction.

If you are able to assist please email the school office. Many thanks for your continued support.

Looking after yourself and your family

The eSafety Commissioner has developed a guide eSafetyParents How to look after mental wellbeing on social media.

For these and many other useful hints for parents and carers visit eSafety.gov.au/parents.

Cyber safety

New apps are frequently being launched. It can be challenging for parents and carers to

keep up to date with the latest apps that their children or their friends may be looking at.

The eSafety Commissioner has developed a website to help Australians have a positive and safe experience online. The government website provides a description of the latest apps to assist you in deciding if the apps are appropriate for use by your family.

Click here for the eSafety Guide.

The website has many useful age appropriate resources to assist parents and carers to start a conversation with your child about cyber safety.

Click here for the eSafety parent information.

Health and Wellbeing

It is unlikely the floods, drought, bushfires, or COVID-19 pandemic will be the last crisis we will face in our lifetime. There are many organisations that can assist you to look after your family’s health and wellbeing while importantly looking after yourself.

Lifeline	13 11 14	lifeline.org.au
Kids Helpline	1800 55 1800	kidshelpline.com.au
Beyondblue	1300 22 4636	beyondblue.org.au
eheadspace	1800 650 890	www.headspace.org.au/eheadspace
Suicide Call-back Service	1300 659 467	suicidecallbackservice.org.au
MensLine Australia	1300 78 99 78	mensline.org.au
Mental Health Line	1800 001 511
Open Arms-Veterans and Families Counselling	1800 011 046	openarms.gov.au

Important Update: Changes to Social Media Access in SCS Schools

As you may have already seen there are new measures regarding social media access across all Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS). These changes were recently announced by Mrs. Danielle Cronin, Executive Director of Sydney Catholic Schools, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance student safety online.

Below you’ll find a letter from Mrs. Cronin outlining the specific details, along with a flyer summarising the key points.

Protecting children from online risks continues to be a shared priority. This involves avoiding social media use for children under 13 years, limiting screen time, ensuring devices are used in communal areas rather than bedrooms, and regularly checking children’s online activity, including search history. Despite efforts to guide responsible digital habits, some students still access apps, websites, and games that are not age-appropriate.

At Our Lady Star of the Sea, we remain committed to promoting safe and responsible technology use both in and out of the classroom. While our school has strong firewalls and access restrictions in place, staying alert is always essential. These new measures by SCS aim to provide additional safeguards during school hours and contribute positively to our students’ wellbeing.

For your reference, we’ve also included a flyer listing 12 apps considered unsafe or risky for children.

Thank you for your continued support in helping us ensure a safe and healthy online environment for all our students.

Mrs Alison Poole

Kindergarten - Year 2 Leader of Learning

Mrs Lucy Chigioni

Years 3-6 Leader of Learning

Office Administration

From the Administration Staff