Communications

Dear Students and Parents,

As part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring a safe and productive learning environment for our students, we would like to inform you of an important change regarding the use of Microsoft Teams.

We have made the decision to trial the removal of the function that allows students to directly message each other through Microsoft Teams. This decision has been made in response to an increased risk to cybersafety and the frequent notifications that have been distracting students from their learning. We have observed that the use of Teams chats between students is becoming similar to the use of mobile phones that we observed when they were permitted in class significantly impacted their focus and productivity.

You may recall the success we had with banning mobile phones in 2019, a decision based on valuable feedback from our community. This measure greatly improved the learning environment, and we are confident that this new adjustment to Microsoft Teams will have a similarly positive effect.

We understand the importance of collaboration as one of our Auburn Learner Qualities (ALQ), and we want to assure you that opportunities for student collaboration will continue to be available. Students will still be able to collaborate through Microsoft Teams, but with added safeguards. 

Collaboration can occur online in the following ways:

1. Teams Chats Including a Teacher: Students can engage in group chats that include a teacher, ensuring appropriate oversight and guidance. Students can also message a teacher directly.

2. Class Teams Pages: Students can use class Teams pages where teachers can monitor and facilitate discussions.

We appreciate your understanding and support as we implement this change to enhance the safety and focus of our learning environment. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Peter Ryan

Acting Assistant Principal 10-12