Student Wellbeing
National Child Protection Week
It’s never too early to have online safety conversations with children.
Being aware of what they’re doing online can help you talk with them in ways that are best suited to protecting them from child sexual abuse and other risks. Some topics are hard to talk about, even with other adults.
Being online has benefits and risks, just like any other childhood activity such as riding a bike or swimming. So as soon as children start using digital devices and technologies, they should know that everyone has the right to be safe online.
Parents and carers can encourage children to handle unexpected challenges safely. It can be useful to talk about fun questions or scenarios to explore what your child thinks about the internet. This can help you understand how safe they feel and where they might need help. For example, ‘If the internet were an animal, which animal would it be?’
The most important thing for children to know is that they should always ask for help if they feel unsure, uncomfortable, or unsafe online. When adults provide children with reassuring support, it can help them recover faster and learn from mistakes. When children know they are safe and won’t get in trouble when asking for help, they are much more likely to speak up if something goes wrong.
Online habits formed at an early age can influence the way children behave and mix online as they grow older. It’s helpful to talk about respectful relationships (including friendships) by starting with what makes us feel good, happy, and loved when we’re with others. This can prepare you for talking with your child about what to do if things go wrong, including when relationships become uncomfortable or unsafe.
Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools – School Improvement Surveys (MACSSIS): Monday 2 September – Friday 20 September 2024
Throughout each year, we pause to listen to our students, families, and staff. A significant and formal way to engage and gather information is through MACSSIS, the School Improvement Surveys that are built specifically for Catholic schools in Melbourne. The MACSSIS survey platform is operated by an independent supplier, ORIMA Research Pty Ltd.
250 Families have been selected at random to complete the survey. This week you may receive an email inviting you to participate.
Our community’s opinions are critical to understanding how our school is performing – MACSSIS is a key data source for guiding the ongoing work to improve our school. The survey takes about 20 minutes to complete.
Thank you for setting aside the time to complete the survey.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Lisa Heath via email.
Lisa
Deputy Principal & Wellbeing Leader
lisa.heath@smcmeppingnth.catholic.edu.au
Jess
Deputy Principal & Learning Diversity Leader