Dear Students, Parents, Carers and Families,

What An Amazing Human Literacy Community We Are

Last week on Monday the school staff released a special video to show just how much all the staff at Maramba miss our students and community.

What this then set in motion was even beyond anything we as a staff had thought would happen. Within moments of our video’s release, members of our amazing community, sprung into action. Phone calls were made, ideas shared and then action was taken as it was decided to make a community thank you video in response.

What was conceptualised, created and finished took a whirlwind and committed 12 hours – what a truly amazing collaborated effort!

When we shared it with staff there were many tears of joy and delight. It was truly greatly received and appreciated!

I am delighted that I am able to share this amazing video with all of you today.

A massive thank you to not only our wonderful community members who were able to contribute to the video but also all of our community who would have if they were able to!

On behalf of all the staff at Maramba – THANK YOU!

Cyber Safety Awareness

Given the recent issues that have surfaced with Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, I thought it would be useful to post another cyber safety article.

Platforms that you may think are safe always have potential risks. Those risks can be in many forms and sometimes even beyond what we may imagine. The age restrictions for 13+ are set as this is the age research identifies as the time in a child’s development where they are more able to appropriately use these platforms and navigate the potential hazards and influences that come with increased maturity. We ask that you help your child adhere to them.

This graphic clearly shows that the majority of popular social media platforms have an age restriction of at least 13 years old.

If you allow your children to use one of these social media platforms, against the company guidelines and age restrictions, we strongly encourage the following safety tips:

Have a strong relationship – regularly talk about and be aware of all the social media platforms your child is using. Ideally co-viewing and co-creating at times.
Negotiate boundaries and expectations – which apps can be used, where (ideally not in isolated areas – bedroom, car) and when so everyone knows what to do.
Prepare your child for risky situations – there is a high possibility they will encounter these issues so discuss this regularly and be confident they’re making good choices.
Deal with conflict calmly – it is important to talk through the disagreement to establish the best solution and with less stress.

More information can be found:

http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/bullystoppers/Pages/parentcyber.aspx

https://www.esafety.gov.au/iparent

Final Day of Term – Early Dismissal 1.30pm

It is hard to believe that the final day of Term 3 is next Friday 18th September! As we normally do, it will be an early finish time of 1.30pm for students online and also for those students onsite.

TheirCare will be running an extended program from 1.30pm for the students attending school onsite. Please follow the regular booking process through TheirCare.

Take care and stay safe!

Kind regards,

Darren Wallace

Principal

Birthdays

Happy Birthday to the students who will celebrate their birthdays this week.