From the Assistant Principals - Wellbeing and Learning

Technology & Wellbeing

The wellbeing and safety of all students is central to the purpose of Catholic education and we acknowledge that healthy relationships and pastoral care are core to each child’s positive experience at school. At times when addressing student wellbeing concerns we find that they increasingly involve the use social media platforms and devices.

When navigating wellbeing issues linked to use of technology, parent support is a key element of the partnership we need to support our students. To that end we encourage parents to:

Observe the Australian Government’s initiative to restrict anyone under the age of 16 from creating or keeping accounts on social media platforms by insisting that your child’s social media accounts are not held or closed until they are 16 years of age.
Monitor your child’s online use, platforms and devices generally (including the content filmed or photographed)
Foster moderation of your child’s use of technology in respect of how it is used, the duration and specific times it is used
Regularly discuss with your child how they use technology and the type of content they experience. This can generate important conversations that can allow you discuss the potential consequences of their use of technology that young people often don’t contemplate.

Furthermore, we encourage students to consider the following questions when they are using devices to communicate with others:

Would I be okay receiving this message, or seeing a photo, video, or comment like this about me?
Would I say these words to this person face-to-face and in front of others?
Would I be happy for my parent/carer to see this?
Do I have permission from another person to post or send this?

Important resources for parents around student use of, and experience with, technology can be at the links below:

Parent support and guidance is vital, particularly if events arise from the use of technology that is not in school-related settings or platforms. In these contexts, our College wellbeing efforts can be limited and at times not provide our families with an outcome they seek. Therefore a shared partnership between parents and the College to guide your daughter’s use of technology and devices is so very important

College Awards

On Wednesday we enjoyed celebrating the achievements of students in Years 7-10 at the College Awards Ceremony. To clarify and encourage students to aspire for awards at future ceremonies, the criteria for the awards are below. We hope to celebrate awards for more students in our Semester 2 Awards.

Principals Academic Excellence Award: Students have achieved a vast majority of A grades across their semester one report by demonstrating outstanding levels of achievement across all of their subject areas.

Chisholm Award: Students have achieved a certain number of merits obtained through being active participants in the life of the College, through diligence and effort in learning, demonstration of college values in action, as well as, engagement in Chisholm community events.

Congratulations to all the students in Years 7 - 10 who received either an Academic Achievement Award, a Chisholm Award or a Perfect Attendance Award in recognition of their commitment, effort and outstanding achievements throughout Semester 1. Your dedication to your learning is something to be proud of, and we commend you on this well-deserved recognition.

Thank you to the many parents, carers and family members who joined us for the celebration. Your presence made the occasion even more special, and we are grateful for the encouragement, support and partnership you provide in your daughter’s learning journey.

Ms Debbie White & Mrs Jeanette Lans

Assistant Principals - Wellbeing and Learning