From the Principal
Child Safe Standards
At our most recent School Council meeting, we reviewed and updated our Child Safety policies.
Lalor East Primary School is committed to providing an environment where students are safe and feel safe.
Our child safety framework includes policies, codes and procedures that explain how we support and maintain the safety and wellbeing of our students and protect them from harm. These documents are available on our school website.
We are also committed to continuous improvement of our child safety framework. We are currently reviewing our child safety policies and practices to ensure they are up-to-date and effective.
Our students and families are important partners in this process. We welcome your feedback or ideas on ways we can improve our approach to child safety and wellbeing.
If you have any suggestions or comments, please contact me at the school.
Limiting technology use in children
We all love technology. It has made life much easier in many instances. Being able to communicate with family and friends who live interstate or overseas is so much easier. When I moved to Melbourne as a 12 year old, it was a big thing to call my grandparents back in Tasmania on a Sunday night after 6pm. That was the time of the week when calls were cheapest. It was great being able to hear their voices but I missed being able to see their faces. Now with Faceook, What'sApp and other programs we can call our loved ones easily and not only hear their voices but also see their faces.
Unfortunately, technology isn't all good. An increasing number of studies are being released about the detrimental impact technology is having on our children's brains and their overall development. Recently in Sweden, a country long regarded for innovation in education and high academic results, decided to remove technology from their schools due to declining student performance and reduced comprehension. Denamrk is also rolling back screens in classrooms for the same reason.
Another study of 100 000 young adults, showed that the strongest predictor of worst long-term mental health outcomes, isn't parenting style, income, or school quality, it is the age at which children are given Smart phones. Children who were given Smart phones before the age of 13 showed higher levels of suicidal thoughts, reduced resilience, lower feelings of self worth and reduced empathy.
The Organisation for Economic Coperation and Development (OECD) has analysed the data across 81 countries and found that students who use digital devices every day scored lower results in maths, reading and science. Excessive screen use is linked to reduced attention spans and struggles with social skills in young children.
So . . . what can we do to support our children and improve long term educational and health outcomes for them:
reduce the amount of time children spend on screens
delay giving children SmartPhones until they are at least 13
prioritise children using pen, pencils, crayons and paper
prioritise reading books
encourage more outdoor play and physical activity.
Did you know that reading activates language and emotional circuits and attention networks all at once, making it one of the most powerful brain-building actvities. Reading from a physical page implants information deeply in the brain.
Writing by hand uses motor skills that strengthen learning. The physical act of forming letters helps the brain remember. Typing and tapping don't create the same connections.
Fun fact: Children who are read to daily before 5 enter school with a 1.4 million word advantage!! So let's put away devices and read a book instead!
End of Term 1
It has been a busy term with students getting settled into their new classes and learning new routines.
A reminder that school finishes for students on THURSDAY 2 MARCH at 1:40pm. Please make arrangements for your child to be collected at this time. TheirCare will also be providing a service if families require assistance with the supervision of their children.
Wishing all our families a safe and happy holiday. Happy Easter celebrations for our families who celebrate Easter.
A reminder that Term 2 commences for students on TUESDAY 21 APRIL as Monday will be a Curriculum Day for school staff.
LINDA RICHARDS
Principal